King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:24 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:24 in the King James Version says “And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, a... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

1 Samuel 26:24 · KJV


Context

22

And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.

23

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

24

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

25

Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's prayer establishes a principle of reciprocity: as he valued Saul's life, may the LORD value his. The Hebrew construction creates a direct correspondence between David's treatment of his enemy and his appeal for divine treatment. This anticipates Jesus' teaching: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy' (Matthew 5:7). David's plea to be delivered from 'all tribulation' (Hebrew: 'tsarah') acknowledges his ongoing vulnerability while expressing confidence in divine protection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reciprocity principle in prayer reflects ancient Near Eastern covenant thinking where actions toward others established expectations for how one would be treated. David's mercy toward Saul becomes the ground for his appeal to divine mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your treatment of others shape your confidence in approaching God?
  2. What connection exists between extending mercy and receiving mercy in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהִנֵּ֗ה1 of 15
H2009

lo!

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּגְדַּ֤ל3 of 15

be much set by

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

נַפְשִׁי֙4 of 15

And behold as thy life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַיּ֥וֹם5 of 15

this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֖ה6 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בְּעֵינֵ֣י7 of 15

in mine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כֵּ֣ן8 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תִּגְדַּ֤ל9 of 15

be much set by

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

נַפְשִׁי֙10 of 15

And behold as thy life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בְּעֵינֵ֣י11 of 15

in mine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְיַצִּלֵ֖נִי13 of 15

and let him deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִכָּל14 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צָרָֽה׃15 of 15

me out of all tribulation

H6869

transitively, a female rival


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 26:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 26:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study